Supporting Employers to Support Employees – PCC and Gateshead Carers explain how
20th May 2016
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird and Blaydon MP, David Anderson are joining forces with Gateshead Carers at an event to introduce two initiatives to help Gateshead employers support their workforce.
Taking place at Gateshead Civic Centre, on Thursday, 2 June, attendees can learn how the Workplace Domestic Violence Policy and Champions Network and the North East Working Carers Charter can benefit their organisations.
The event is an opportunity for employers to find out how they can provide a safe working environment to help staff who are victims of domestic abuse as well as raising awareness of the support available to assist staff who are caring for a loved one.
Research shows that 75 per cent of domestic abuse victims are targeted at work and 53 per cent of abused women miss at least three days of work a month. In recognition of these figures, in 2015, The Commissioner launched the ‘Domestic and sexual violence and abuse in the workplace strategy’ and since then the workplace policy has become an accepted component for many businesses throughout the region, which now has more than 600 trained domestic abuse champions.
Commissioner Baird will be speaking on why action is needed in the workplace and how employers can make a difference to help tackle the issue. Also speaking at the event is local MP, Dave Anderson who will be providing details of the North East Working Carers Charter and the support package available to assist staff who are taking on the role of a carer, in addition to being in employment.
Ms Baird said: “The numbers speak for themselves and the reality is abusive partners will generally seek to exercise control over their victim’s day-to-day lives, meaning the workplace may be the one place where the victim goes without their controlling partner – making it a good place for them to speak out and seek help – businesses need to be prepared for this.
“We already have a range of local employers on board with our workplace policy – recognising their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. By doing so they are demonstrating their commitment to an incredibly important issue, which is fast becoming an accepted component of modern businesses.
“I’m looking forward to meeting more employers keen to learn what they can do to help and I am hopeful they will sign-up to our policy so we can keep building on the support available. It won’t cost you a penny, could save billions, and most importantly can save lives.”
Dave Anderson MP, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes in our society and without them our health and social carer system would fall apart. Employers can play a vital role in supporting their staff who also have caring responsibilities and in return they will be repaid in commitment hard work and a caring workforce.”
Speakers include:
Helen Hughes- Deputy CEO Gateshead Carers
Vera Baird QC
Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria
Dave Anderson MP
Hana Dedman-G4S
Angela Johnson-Akzo Nobel
Rachel Lawson-Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
For those wishing to attend, please e-mail to Rachel.Lawson@northumbria–pcc.gov.uk by the 27th May 2016.
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